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When summer rolls around, its time to swap your heavy oldhiking bootsfor a lighter alternative.
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
But, like any other technical shoe, not all pairs are created equal.
We asked the experts and researched dozens of pairs to find the best hiking sandals for your outdoor adventures.
We chose these pairs based on recommendations from a physical therapist and outdoor experts.
I can walk all day in my Tevas without my feet feeling achy.
She also loved the Hurricane XLT2s Velcro straps, which have light padding and are adjustable in three places.
She wears Chacos because they have an unparalleled level of underfoot support thanks to their patented Luvseat footbed.
I wear them both to the supermarket and on six-mile day hikes.
The Keen Newport H2 is also built for water activities.
Its straps dry quickly, and the materials in the footbed are made with odor control in mind.
When you better really freshen up your pair, the entire shoe is machine-washable.
MountaineerChuck Garciaswitched to these sandals after struggling for years with foot, knee, and IT band injuries.
The feeling of hiking up trails and rocks was exhilarating.
I felt free and unshackled.
My feet thank me each time I complete a hike, he says.
The Xero Genesis has thin rubber outsoles and a prelaced paracord fastening system.
He likes that these sandals are lighter than Chacos.
Ecco
Yucatan
Most Comfortable
The Ecco Yucatan may be the comfiest,most supportive sandalson our list.
Many reviewers wear their pairs for years before replacing them.
These sandals won aSELF Sneaker Awardlast year for their out-of-the-box comfort and top-notch ventilation.
Our testers wore their Mocs while gardening, swimming, strolling along the beach, and walking around town.
Im blown away by how soft and cushioned they are.
Kuru
Tread
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
Nicholas Japs, DPT, a physical therapist atSt.
Just keep in mind that theyll take longer to dry when they get wet.
Great traction is a must-haveespecially on more challenging terrain.
Dr. Hatch notes that its also important to consider the thickness of the sandals sole.
Having secure straps on your sandals will help you feel comfortable and agile on the trail.
Also, consider which strap style and material will feel the most comfortable.
Some sandals have criss-crossing straps, while others feature more of a thong style.
Some straps are padded to reduce pressure points on the top and sides of your feet.
Dr. Hatch says built-in arch support is a key component in any good hiking sandals footbed.
Itll help stabilize your midfoot and make the shoe feel comfortable for longer hikes.
